Chasing Cars (GxG)

Chapter 9 - Metanoi

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"Sure, Gentleman." I accepted his hand gracefully, never breaking our gaze, as if the world around us had faded to nothing.

As we moved toward the dance floor, I could feel the weight of every eye on us. I didn't want to draw attention, but the intensity of their stares was undeniable—wonder, admiration, some even confusion. They were puzzled, likely wondering about the unexpected appearance of a new face: me, and this striking man by my side. I couldn't stop myself from glancing down, anxiety tightening in my chest. What if someone recognized me?

"Hey." The sound of his voice broke through my thoughts, soft but full of concern. "Everything okay?" His brow furrowed slightly, his grip on me steady yet gentle.

I shrugged, trying to play it off, but my voice betrayed me. "I've been wanting to call you Henry, but I know that's not quite right." I pointed at him teasingly.

For a moment, he looked puzzled, but then, like a switch had been flipped, a slow smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Henry Nicholas, Damsel."

I stopped in my tracks, my eyes searching his face. "For real?" I asked, disbelief clear in my voice. His laughter was soft, almost like a secret shared only between us.

"Sì. Theron Henry Nicholas, but you can call me Yours," he said, his smile widening. His playfulness was contagious, and I felt a flutter of excitement stir within me. "I also know your name, but I'm blocked." He scratched his brow, feigning innocence, though the mischief in his eyes told a different story.

I let out a soft chuckle, the sound seductive without intention. His throat visibly bobbed as he swallowed, his gaze flickering to my lips. "Dane," I whispered, my finger tracing lazy circles on the back of his neck as we continued to move in perfect rhythm. His touch was tender, his hand resting lightly against my side. "Dane Perez. But you can call me Master."

I grinned, unable to resist the playful challenge in my voice, not bothering to shy away from the way his fingers lingered along my waist. His touch wasn't sensual—at least not yet—but the tension between us was undeniable.

I heard him laugh, the sound rich with amusement. "I like you," he admitted, his words catching me off guard and making my smile widen. "I mean, I like your vibe. You seem interesting, and I think we'll click."

For a moment, I thought he was being overly forward, and I almost rolled my eyes. Sopas—a little too much for my taste.

"Well, we're clicking now, huh?" I teased, raising an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at my lips.

"I assume," he replied casually, as if his words didn't quite match the weight of the situation.

He paused for a moment, studying me as if deciding whether to continue. "Btw, magisa ka lang ba? I've been eyeing you for a while before I approached you."

My eyes narrowed, a chill creeping up my spine. Creepy—was he a stalker? But then he quickly added, "Hey, I'm not what you think I am, okay?" His laughter was light, as though he had read my mind. And truth be told, it was probably the look on my face that had given me away. But who could blame me? I didn't know him from Adam.

I shrugged, not wanting to admit how uneasy his words made me feel. "Sure, you're not. And no, I'm not alone. I'm just with my mom's friend."

His brow furrowed in confusion. "Sino naman yun?"

I inwardly winced. Who brings their mom's friend to a party? That was the best excuse I could come up with, and it felt ridiculous, but I didn't care what he thought. He didn't know me. It was probably best if he didn't.